Terex said:
Hi everybody , I'm looking to buy an 1982 FLHTC in my area , the guy said it's a special edition , original engine was rebuilt about 10000miles ago , 5 speed he's askin 9500$ US . I will like to know what I should look at to get a good bike , many time i read that the evolution versus the shovelhead is a better engine what your opinion on that
Thanks guys
That seems like a lot of money for that model/year. The Kelly Blue Book value for my zip code (Plattsburgh, NY) is $8025.00 US if it's in perfect condition. If it has a lot, and I mean a LOT, of extras and engine work, then it MIGHT be worth over $9000.00.
You might want to contact Northend H-D here in Plattsburgh and see if they have any older models in stock. They usually do. The prices have come down a lot since the new owner took over (they used to charge too much for just about everything). Or, better yet, you could check with Sovie's H-D in Potsdam, NY. They have the lowest prices in the state and usually have a pretty good selection.
Yes, the shovels take some work to maintain. They shake a lot, so there are always fasteners coming loose. I used to safety wire just about everything on my old shovel and Sportster. Every winter I would pull the top end apart and clean up the combustion area, replacing anything that was questionable. That preventative maintenance kept it running well all summer. They are very easy to work on, too. Not much harder than a Briggs & Stratton lawnmower engine.
An EVO, on the other hand, requires a lot less maintenance. I have a 1995 now and don't have to do much to it except the normal, periodic checks that should be done on all bikes, and I average well over 12,000 miles a year.